It only takes 4 minutes of exercise to keep fit.

If you're the type of person who hates exercising but recognizes the importance of physical activity for health, you may have wondered how much you need to keep fit. For according to The New York Times, Norwegian researchers seem to have found the answer to this question.

First, scientists evaluated the effects of short periods of intense activity - usually ranging from 30 seconds to a few minutes - interspersed with rest intervals, the practice of which can be as potent as holding long sessions. Then the scientists evaluated the results achieved after four periods of intense activity lasting only four minutes each.

“Four-three-four”

During these periods, the volunteers who participated in the tests should maintain their heart rates at 90% of maximum capacity by performing three-minute intervals between the four sessions. Thus, the total exercise time was only 16 minutes, which the researchers concluded could be too long.

So the scientists decided to evaluate the effects of just a single four-minute session by comparing the performance of two groups, one devoted to the “four four-minute sessions interspersed with three-minute intervals each” scheme, and the other devoted to a single one. four-minute session. This training was performed three times a week for 10 weeks.

No excuses

The researchers noted that both groups showed significant improvements in both their physical condition and general health. As explained, lack of time is one of the main excuses for people not to perform physical activities, and the results of the study indicated that this pretext could be retired.

And you don't have to go to a gym to follow the four-minute routine. Any activity is worth it, such as running uphill, swimming, up and down stairs, cycling and even walking. The important thing is to increase your heart rate enough for four minutes, after consulting your doctor, obviously!